An Allegiant Air jetliner flies by the Luxor Resort & Casino after taking off from McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker, File)

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As bullets rained down on the Las Vegas Strip on Sunday, some 30 people escaped to Allegiant Air's office at McCarran International Airport. There, airline officials gave them food, water, clothes, and helped them get in touch with loved ones, report KSNV and the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Now, Allegiant is going a step further to help those affected by the deadliest mass shooting in US history. On Monday, the airline announced it would offer free flights to and from Las Vegas for relatives of the 59 people killed and hundreds wounded in Sunday's shooting. Anyone hoping to take advantage of the offer is asked to contact Allegiant's communications department.

"Las Vegas is Allegiant's hometown, and on this tragic day we are heartbroken but gratified to see the world rally around our community with so much support and love," says the airline, which is also waiving additional fees for Las Vegas travelers who've opted to change their flight plans following the shooting. Offers of help are also coming from area restaurants, many of which have offered to feed victims' families, first responders, and Las Vegas residents who waited in line for hours to donate blood Monday, reports the Review-Journal. Meanwhile, some 42,000 people have donated nearly $3 million to aid survivors and their families through a GoFundMe page.

It was really needed. They fly out only on Sunday and Thursday to my city. The plane that was scheduled to come here from Vegas on Thursday broke down. They notified the people that the next available flight would be on Sunday. They told people to simply check into a cheap motel and come back in 3 days. A lot of people on that flight bought new tickets from other airlines to get back home. Not many people can ride out an extra 3 days. They wound up giving refunds but still did not offer any further help.

Twiny

Oct 3, 2017 6:54 AM CDT

That's going to cost them a few bucks. Bravo to them for not making just another empty gesture.